Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 5:05 PM
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Varkenoord, the former training complex of the Feyenoord main force, is undergoing a major metamorphosis. In the coming years, a residential area with 866 homes, two secondary schools and sports fields will be built on the now partly vacant site. On Tuesday, the city council announced exactly what it wants with the district that will be called ‘Sports Campus’.
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Sports campus must become a green, park-like residential area with walking and cycling routes. It will be car-free with plenty of room for sports and exercise. There will be cycling and walking routes to the nearby Park De Twee Heuvel. Next to the residential area are already several sports fields where, among others, the youth of Feyenoord, FC IJsselmonde, Overmaas and Feyenoord Hockey play their matches and train during the week.
History
According to responsible councilor Bas Kurvers, Sportcampus should become a ’21st century garden city’. “It will be a mix of apartments and single-family houses in different price segments. There is room for starters, seniors and for social risers from the surrounding neighborhoods in the South. ”
Kurvers is looking forward to the moment when the first pile goes into the ground. “It will be a beautiful area. An area that does justice to history. We will focus on living, sports and games. The entire outdoor area will be set up to be active and sporty.”
Half of all homes receive a rental or purchase price in the low and middle segment. A rental that can hardly be found in Rotterdam for many ‘police officers, nurses and teachers’, according to the college of mayors and aldermen. 57 percent of the homes will soon be rented, 43 percent will be for sale.
‘Hour on the road’
In addition to housing, two secondary schools will also be built on the former sports fields. About 1700 students will soon receive education in VMBO, MAVO, HAVO and VWO.
Kurvers: “I used to travel for nearly an hour from IJsselmonde where I lived to OSG Hugo de Groot. I want the youth of the South to be walking and cycling at school today.”
The councilor for building and living calls the construction of almost 900 homes ‘substantial’. “Fifty percent of the homes are built in the affordable segment. This means that many residents of the old city districts can move on to these homes.”
The sports campus is part of the ‘Stadionpark’ area development, which also includes the new Feyenoord stadium. After the summer break, the council decides whether the new district will actually be built. The schools are scheduled to open in August 2024. Total construction is expected to be completed by 2026.
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